The warning was issued by Phuket officials yesterday (Feb 19), when the temperature in Phuket hit 37.5°C for the second consecutive day.
The Southwestern Meteorological Center of the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) located near Phuket International Airport, locally known as ‘Phuket Met’, over the past week has repeatedly warned of temperatures reaching 34-37°C, mainly for temperatures recorded in Phuket Town.
The heatwave began last week with Phuket Town last Tuesday (Feb 13) recording 37.6°C. Since then Phuket Town has suffered in the heat, recording 36.5°C last Wednesday (Feb 14) and 38.5°C last Thursday (Feb 15).
Last Friday (Feb 16) saw temperatures in Phuket Town rise to 37.4°C, then hit 37.9°C on Saturday (Feb 17), 37.5°C on Sunday (Feb 18) and 37.5°C yesterday (Feb 19).
Temperatures at the airport have been a few degrees cooler, but hitting 35°C consistently over the weekend and 33.8°C yesterday.
“High summer temperatures pose a risk of heat stroke because higher outside temperatures cause the body’s balance-maintaining mechanism to be disrupted,” said the warning issued by officials yesterday.
“When the body temperature exceeds 40°C, it affects the circulatory system and brain system,” the warning continued.
People were urged to beware signs of heatstroke. Mild symptoms were listed as high body temperature, a red face, no sweat despite the hot weather and excessive thirst.
More serious signs included dizziness, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and fainting.
People were also urged to render immediate assistance to any person believed to be suffering from heatstroke, as follows:
- Move them into the shade and keep people surrounding the patient away so that the air can circulate more easily
- Lie them down with their head flat and raise both legs high. Find something to place under their feet so that blood flows to the heart better.
- Loosen any tight clothing, loosen belts, and remove shoes and socks.
- Remove unnecessary jewelry.
- Use a cloth moistened with cold or room temperature water to wipe the face, body, nape of the neck and crook of the neck. Wipe in one direction only, upwards.
- Use ice to compress the neck, groin and armpits.
Any person suffering serious signs of heat stroke are urged to seek immediate medical assistance at a hospital.